THE WIDOW of a man who died in Limerick Regional Hospital from a heart infection has secured €200,000 in settlement of her High Court action.
It was alleged William O’Connell, who had been treated in the hospital, two months prior to his death, had been discharged at that earlier stage when it was unsafe to do so.
Elizabeth O’Connell, widow of the late William O’Connell (50), New Road, Bruff, Co Limerick, had sued the HSE; Thomas Henry Peirce, a consultant physician at the hospital; and T Brendan Meany, a consultant cardiologist in the coronary care unit of the hospital. Ms O’Connell brought the proceedings on her own behalf and on behalf of the couple’s six children.
Dr John O Mahony SC, for Ms O’Connell, told Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill yesterday the settlement offer was without admission of liability. The judge approved the settlement.
In the action, it was claimed Mr O’Connell attended his GP on April 18th, 2000, complaining of pins and needles in his fingers over the previous six months.
It was claimed he was admitted to Limerick Regional Hospital that day where he complained of palpitations, throat discomfort and shortness of breath over the previous eight months. It was alleged they failed to detect, at the time of his admission to hospital, he had significant aortic valve disease with severe impairment of the left ventricular function .
His death was due to negligence and breach of duty by the defendants, it was also alleged.